Posted by Andrew on 9/12/2010, 10:14 am, in reply to "Can't urinate in my own home :("

Hi Anon You have a severe case of paruresis, and it is severely impacting your everyday life. The first step is to be able to void when you need to, irrespective of circumstance. Only then will you be in a state to take stock and decide how to do something about it. You need to go to your GP and say that you are getting uncontrollable urinary retention. S/he should refer you to a urologist to check whether there is any physical obstruction. Then to a clinical psychologist for a course of CBT. As Raymond said, our workshops, which use a CBT approach, are found to be very helpful. You also need to ask your GP to be shown how to self-catheterise: that way you will be able to empty your bladder anytime. Email me at the support address above and I will send you supporting information. Some GPs are reluctant to do this, which is why you need this information. This would be all totally confidential. Get in touch now cheers Andrew Chairman

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